Fall 2013
Sylvan Lake Celebrates Dedication of Five Wayside Signs
A new Wayside Exhibit sign marks the former location of the Sylvan Lake Inn,
now the site of the Sylvan Lake Community Center.
Representatives of the City of Sylvan Lake and the MotorCities
Wayside Exhibit program announced the debut of five historical
Wayside Exhibit signs in Sylvan Lake at the 48th Annual Sylvan Lake
Garden Club Ice Cream Social on August 15.
Sylvan Lake Historian, Helen Jane Peters, and Eric Wiegand
worked with MotorCities Director of Operations, Brian Yopp, and
Nancy Thompson, from Oakland County Economic Development &
Community Affairs, to develop the content for the signs.
“Eric and Helen Jane were great champions,” explained Thompson.
“It’s great to see [the signs] finally in the ground. This marks the
beginning of many more signs coming up in Oakland County.”
Posted throughout the city, the signs detail local stories that tie
Sylvan Lake to the area’s automotive history. The topics of the five
signs are:
• Sylvan Lake Inn (Sylvan Lake Community Center)
• Detroit Free Press Fresh Air Camp (Sylvan Lake Community Center)
• Detroit Interurban (intersection of Garland Street and Oakwood Street)
• Oakland County Boat Club (Ferndale Street)
• Ferndale Beach and Tower Beach (Ferndale Street)
The Wayside Exhibits are a project of the MotorCities National
Heritage Area, which was created by Congress in 1998 “…to preserve
the cultural and historic landscape associated with the automobile in
Southeastern and Central Michigan.” GWBHS and area volunteers
worked with representatives from MotorCities and local governments
to design a total of 20 signs for Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor and West
Bloomfield. Crews are expected to install the remaining signs soon.
A report about the event by George Moore of Civic Center TV can be
viewed online or on cable TV. Look for “Sylvan Lake Sign Dedication”
on the On Demand page at civiccentertv.com, Comcast Channel 15
or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
Helen Jane Peters speaks about the Wayside Exhibits project.
(l-r) Paul Anger – Detroit Free Press, Helen Jane Peters, Eric Wiegand,
Brian Yopp – and Nancy Thompson
Connect with Us!
gwbhs.org
Twitter @gwbhs
248.757.2451
From the Desk of President Gina Gregory...
Lately I’ve been reflecting on how stories connect us in all of life.
This is so true when looking at local history. Usually it’s the shared
stories that interest us most! During the winter, Exhibit Committee
volunteers grouped the Orchard Lake Museum exhibit items to tell
clearer stories. I expect when you visit the Museum you’ll enjoy the
changes as we’ve received wonderful feedback. We also wanted to
share activities and stories to connect with the next generation. So
now hands-on activities are available! (Read more about this in the
article “Museum’s New Exhibit Self-Tour Encourages Kids to ‘Go
Ahead!’”)
What stories do you have to share about your local history?
What’s interesting about where you live? Ask that question of yourself and your neighbors, and you may be surprised how much there
(L-R) Apple Island Dig Committee members, Rob Gregory, Gina Gregory and
Carol Fink, with WBSD Director of Community Relations, Joey Spano, after the
School Board granted approval to seek state and national historic site registration
for Apple Island at its December 2012 meeting.
is to learn! That’s what I found in my subdivision. To research this
further, I came to the Orchard Lake Museum and was not disappointed. You may want to do the same. Indeed, that is how the recent
Camps of West Bloomfield presentation and the “West Bloomfield
Today” magazine article on the same topic came about – from folks
learning about where they live and sharing their past experiences.
If you are interested in supporting our pursuit of information about
local history, consider contacting GWBHS. We have been asked by
the West Bloomfield School District to research and write about each
school’s history. So far, volunteers have spent hundreds of hours
collecting photos and writing about schools through the 1930s (Peal
Thank You to Departing Board Member
of the Bell…History of the School System is available at gwbhs.org).
Thanks to Cara Kazanowski for many years of volunteer work and
We are looking for volunteers to carry this work through to the pres-
leadership. She served as Board Member, Vice President, History
ent. We also need volunteers to help with group programs, filing,
Matters Editor, Finance Committee Chairperson, Public Relations
and development/ financial health.
Chairperson and interim President (2012-13), and was a contributing writer
Finally, I invite you to enjoy the stories to be told at our exciting
fall events as each has many to share. Take your pick!
for the Wayside sign exhibit project. She resigned as family responsibilities
increased.
in the News
40th Anniversary of GWBHS in 2014
GWBHS will celebrate its fortieth anniversary in 2014! We are gathering materials
for an exhibit highlighting GWBHS past events and accomplishments. Do you have
any event photos from when you were actively involved? If so, please send photos
as 300 dpi scans to Gina Gregory at [email protected].
Connect with Us!
gwbhs.org
Twitter @gwbhs
248.757.2451
Museum’s New Exhibit Self-Tour Encourages Kids to ‘Go Ahead!
Orchard Lake Museum, home to the collections of the GWBHS, is
looking a little different these days.
The Exhibit Committee’s recent rethinking of the exhibit space
presents a series of new exhibits, including First People, Farming,
Apple Island, Resorts to Residents, Fashions and Transportation.
Two rotating exhibits, Innovators and a guest exhibit, will regularly
introduce fresh stories and artifacts. The Communities Room
features exhibits about the cities of Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village
and Sylvan Lake. Self-Tour handouts guide visitors during their visit.
GWBHS members Jim and Gwynne Cherfoli volunteered as
docents during museum open houses in July and August. “Almost
every visitor mentioned that they would return,” said Gwynne
Cherfoli. “Many said that they had been driving by the museum forever and were so glad they finally stopped in. As docents, it makes
us proud to be a part of such a dynamic museum collection.”
Another big change at the museum is the addition of the
kid-friendly “Go Ahead!” program. Brightly colored signs at many of
the exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to “go ahead” and turn an
apple press, touch artifacts or try on vintage fashions.
“We wanted to use a more interactive approach with the exhibits,”
said Exhibit Committee Co-Chair, Sue Williams. “Engaging visitors,
especially children, with a message of ‘it’s OK to go ahead and touch
and interact with this’ gives permission to do more than just look
at artifacts. It invites the visitor to become part of the exhibit. The
reaction has been fantastic.”
Visit the museum to view new displays in the Communities
Room. In January, Innovators will feature George Lawton and
Joanna and Jaynie Halterman try out vintage hats and tools
from the Wilkins gas pump.
curling memorabilia from the 1932 Winter Olympic Games.
Sisters Julia (9), Joanna (7) and Jaynie (7) Halterman,
of Spring Hill, Tennessee (grandchildren of Pete &
Helen Jane Peters) take the old wagon for a ride.
Connect with Us!
gwbhs.org
Julia, Joanna and Jaynie Halterman try on the vintage fire hats.
Twitter @gwbhs
248.757.2451
‘Mary and Her Little Lamb’ Restoration Begins
Detroit artist Roy C. Gamble’s 1928 painting “Mary and Her Little
Lamb” was removed from the Orchard Lake Museum on July 10
to begin its restoration. The painting has been on display at the
Museum since 1991, when it was retrieved from a plaster wall of
the kindergarten classroom at Sylvan Lake’s Daniel Whitfield School.
GWBHS hired the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Conservator of Paintings,
Alfred Ackerman, to perform the restoration.
Helen Jane Peters of the Greater West Bloomfield Historical
Society coordinated the project. “There is oil paint under the plaster
that needs to be removed. Mr. Ackerman is scraping by hand and
also using a solvent gel, which softens the oil paint and the plaster.
After the back is clean, he will repair the tears and the front of the
painting.”
Generous contributions from the community so far were
enough to begin the restoration, but more funds will be needed to
complete the project. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to
GWBHS, designated for the “Mary Restoration Fund.”
The restoration work is expected to be completed later this fall.
Once the painting is framed, it will hang in the lobby of the Sylvan
Lake City Hall.
Alfred Ackerman scrapes old paint and
plaster from the back of the painting.
2014 Historic Homes Tour
Emmendorf House pre-1900
Save the date! For the first time
in 28 years, GWBHS will host a
Historic Homes Tour! Living with
History: Historic Homes Tour of Greater
West Bloomfield will take place Saturday,
June 21, 2014, from 10 am – 4 pm.
Watch for more details to come about
this self-guided tour of historic homes
in greater West Bloomfield.
Emmendorf House circa 2011
Volunteer Planning Meeting for Historic Homes Tour
If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Historic Homes Tour, please attend this upcoming meeting to explore how
you can support and plan this event! Wednesday, September 25, 2013 7:00 p.m. Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to be involved, call Judy at 248.808.0893.
Connect with Us!
gwbhs.org
Twitter @gwbhs
248.757.2451
Digging for History at Annual Apple Island Tours
The 2013 Apple Island Tours (May 18-19) brought visitors from
2013 Apple Island Tour Sponsors
across the state to experience local history and some beautiful
Thank you to members of the community who helped sponsor
the 2013 Apple Island Tours!
weather on this little island at the center of Orchard Lake. This annual
opportunity to visit the island always attracts a crowd and this year
was no exception. Over 400 people of all ages visited the Orchard
Lake Museum and then boarded a boat to the island.
A team of volunteers, led by coordinators, Mikki Chase and Judy
Kerr, guided visitors throughout the event, managing logistics and
•
•
•
•
•
Anonymous, West Bloomfield - $150
Anonymous, Orchard Lake - $150
Asha and Maden Gupta, Orchard Lake - $150
Lee Jones, Orchard Lake - $50
Caryn Jensen, Legacy Realty Group - $50
sharing stories of local history along the way.
A special addition in 2013 was the presence of an archaeological team from Western Michigan University. Funded by a St.
Francis Foundation of Michigan grant, the work is part of an effort to
secure Michigan State Historic Site and National Register of Historic
Places designations for Apple Island. In addition to the usual tour
activities, this year’s guests enjoyed interacting with the
archaeologists at work. More information about what was learned
can be found on the Facebook page Apple Island Archaeology Project.
Save the date for the 2014 Apple Island Tours on May 17-18.
Thank You to GWBHS Volunteers!
GWBHS counts on the hard work of many dedicated volunteers
throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who helped make
these recent events successful!
Apple Island Tours: Betty and Dave Bradbury, Steve
Briggs, Mikki Chase, Angela Cini, Hannah Dagg, Carol Fink,
Melissa Gilbert, Kim and Brian Granger, Gina and Rob Gregory,
Wilkins relatives visit the Orchard Lake Museum exhibit
about their family during the Apple Island Tours.
Barbara Hoffmann, Judy and Alan Kerr, Linda Kidd, Glen King,
MaryAnn Lisac, Helen McAllister, Bill McIsaac, Jerry
McManus, Paul Mellerowicz, Jeanne and Merrill Miller, Marge
and Don Newell, Pete and Helen Jane Peters, Cindy Pryda,
Molly Rozycki, Diane Santia, Andrea Soutlanian, Elinor Sturm,
Eric Wiegand, Sue Williams. Thanks for community support
from Orchard Lake Village Department of Public Works, St.
Mary’s Preparatory, West Bloomfield School District (owner of
the Marjorie Ward Strong Woodland Nature Sanctuary, formal name
of Apple Island) and West Bloomfield Durham School Services.
Archaeological Dig Dinners: Barb Krause, Carole Hovsepian,
Gina Gregory, Jeanne Miller, Helen Jane Peters, Sue Williams.
Thanks to Gino Santia for the dinner.
National Trail Day Walk: Betty and Dave Bradbury, Judy and
Alan Kerr
Connect with Us!
gwbhs.org
Students from Western Michigan University excavate a
pit at the site of the Devendorf House on Apple Island.
Twitter @gwbhs
248.757.2451
G r e a t e r We s t B l o o m f i e l d
Keego Harbor • Orchard Lake • Sylvan Lake • West Bloomfield
Historical Society
2013 Calendar of Events
Vintage Fashions
Saturday, September 21, 1-3 p.m., Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian, 5171 Commerce Road
LaReta Roder will share her collection of 1860-1960s hats, handbags, gloves, and outerwear. Feel free to wear
something vintage or dressy! Formal refreshments. $10 adults, children free. RSVP to Judy, 248-808-0893 by
Sep. 10 to model and by Sep. 18 to attend.
1938: What Was Life Like in Greater West Bloomfield?
Wednesday, October 2, 7 p.m., West Bloomfield Library Main Meeting Room, 4600 Walnut Lake Road
Take a look back at life in 1938-era West Bloomfield, when the West Bloomfield Township Public Library was
being established. Farms and orchards covered much of the Township, and only a few subdivisions had been
built. Learn about everyday life, shopping, transportation, private clubs, and more. The program includes
historical photos and video clips from contemporary interviews of residents living in West Bloomfield in 1938.
Co-sponsored with West Bloomfield Civic Center TV and West Bloomfield Library. No charge.
Focus on the Civil War
Saturday, October 12, 9:00-noon, St. Mary’s Dining Hall, Bldg. 15, Commerce Road entrance
Enjoy brunch and hear popular speaker Dave Finney on 16 Summer Days: Custer Meets the Wolverines. Then
visit with Gary Pike on Civil War clothing, and Rudy Ruzicska on military arms. Brian Bohnett will share his
Michigan Military Academy collection and lead two campus walks relating MMA history. $15. Brunch included.
RSVP by Oct. 9 to Judy, 248-808-0893.
Autumn Nature Walk
Sunday, October 20, 2 p.m., Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary on Pontiac Trail west of Old Orchard Trail
Join naturalist Carol Fink for a guided walking tour. Experience autumn beauty in this beautiful setting.
Co-sponsored with the Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary. No charge.
Our Local Veterans
Sunday, November 10, 2-4 p.m., West Bloomfield Library Main Meeting Room, 4600 Walnut Lake Road
What was on the minds of local soldiers during World War II? Browse letters between Sylvan Lake’s Whitfield
School graduates and Whitfield School Principal Glenn Husted. Speak with World War II veterans regarding
their personal military memories. Tables will be provided for sharing your personal/family military memories of
any war. Co-sponsored with West Bloomfield Library. No charge.
Connect with Us!
gwbhs.org
Twitter @gwbhs
248.757.2451
Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society
Orchard Lake Museum
Phone 248.757.2451
3951 Orchard Lake Road
Orchard Lake MI 48323
Board of Directors
Gina Gregory
Anita Pinson
Sue Williams
DuAnne Sonneville
Carol Fink
Helen Jane Peters
Bill McIsaac
Melissa Gilbert
Committee Chairs
Don Newman
Hannah Dagg
Judy Kerr
Christian Sonneville Angela Cini Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Walled Lake MI
Permit No. 88
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Historian/Membership
Historian/Website
Museum Committee Chair
Group Programs
History Matters Editor
Volunteer Coordinator Development Co-chair
Historic Homes Tour
Scan this QR
code to see
visit our
website.
Membership Application
Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society
Individual$20 Family
Senior Indiv. $15
Senior Couple
Premier
$50
Patron/Business
Lifetime $600Donation
$40
$30
$100
$___
Through the West Bloomfield Library website
view a digital collection of more than
1600 historical photographs from GWBHS.
Go to www.westbloomfieldlibrary.org,
click “eLibrary” and then “Digital Collections.”
Name: ______________________________________
Address: ____________________________________
City/State: ___________________________________
Zip: _________
Phone: ____________________
Email: ___________________________________
Please contact me to volunteer. ________
Membership year is January 1 to December 31.
Please make checks payable to GWBHS.
Mail to GWBHS: 3951 Orchard Lake Road
Orchard Lake MI 48323
Connect with Us!
gwbhs.org
GWBHS Mission Statement
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society is a non-profit
organization that collects, preserves, researches and stimulates public
interest in the history of West Bloomfield Township and the cities of
Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village and Sylvan Lake.
Twitter @gwbhs
248.757.2451